Military veterans NGO Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) are set to hold a workshop for youths, vowing that it will do a better job of instilling patriotism and unity than the government’s National Service Training Programme (NS).

Its upcoming Youth Leadership and Patriotism Workshop will be facilitated by veterans and retired police officers, who have risked their lives for the country.

Since retiring from the security forces, many of them have also become successful in other fields.  

“This dual experience, in uniform and civilian, has made us a special and unique entity.

“Collectively we have a wealth of experience that we can share to help build our nation,” read Patriot president and retired brigadier general Mohd Arshad Raji from a statement to the press at the NGO’s office in Subang Jaya today.

In contrast, the three-month long NS was run “like a holiday camp” by instructors whose patriotism was disputable, said Patriot member and retired major Ismail Jr Feisol.

Not only did veterans love the country, they were also highly trained, added fellow Patriot member and retired Royal Malaysian Air Force commander Meor Rosli (photo).

“The difference is, we are the real experts,” said Meor.

Among the programmes planned for the workshop are field obstacle courses, military-style training, a retelling of veterans’ war stories and experiences, leadership and comradeship workshops, as well as interactive discussions with participants. 

They hope to collaborate with the Defence, Youth and Sports, as well as Education Ministries to hold these workshops during the mid-year school holidays this year.

“What we have to give is very valuable, we are volunteering our services,” added Arshad.

Better welfare for veterans

Meanwhile, Patriot urged the government to increase welfare aid to veterans by giving them public transport allowances, discounts on utility bills, food stamps, as well as a more equitable and inclusive pension scheme, regardless of rank and duration of service.

GLCs should also allocate jobs to non-retired veterans, and the Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (Perhebat) should assist veterans in landing jobs and setting up their own businesses, they said.

“Patriot hopes to see that the government recognises the sacrifice of veterans and retired police in defending and maintaining the independence of this country.

“They have served with honour and sacrificed their personal freedom and family lives,” Arshad stressed.

They will next seek a meeting with Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to present their suggestions. 

Patriot is made up of about 150 retired army officers and police.

It has recently opened up membership to veterans of other ranks and retired government servants through its associate membership programme. Members of the public can also become members through its Rakan Patriot initiative.

Earlier, the NGO signed a memorandum of understanding with the Business Ethics Institute Malaysia, and launched its official website.